Page 16 - The Indian eye 072426

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JULY 24, 2026 | The Indian Eye 16

India Home Opens First Senior Center in Hicksville,

Long Island with Support from AIA National, Guru Krupa

Foundation, and The New York Community Trust

OUR BUREAU
HICKSVILLE, N.Y.

ndia Home celebrated the grand
opening of its first Senior Center
Iin Hicksville, Long Island, mark-
ing a significant milestone in expand-
ing culturally sensitive services for the
region’s rapidly growing South Asian
senior community.
The new center will provide se-
niors with opportunities for social
engagement, health and wellness pro-
grams, educational workshops, cultur-
al activities, recreation, and supportive
services in a welcoming environment. Gobind Munjal Addressing the Gathering at
The inauguration drew more than 200 the Senior Center Inauguration AIA Members presenting a $35,000 check to India Home
attendees, including elected officials,
community leaders, India Home and
Association of Indians in America
(AIA) members, donors, volunteers,
and representatives of numerous com-
munity organizations.
Opening the ceremony, Mukund
Mehta, President of the Board of Direc-
tors of India Home, reaffirmed the or-
ganization’s commitment to improving
the quality of life of South Asian seniors
through compassionate care and mean-
ingful programming. He thanked AIA
National, Guru Krupa Foundation,
The New York Community Trust, do-
nors, volunteers, and supporters whose
generosity made the center possible. Assemblyman Charles Lavine giving citation to India Home AIA NEC Members with India Home Members
Among the featured speakers
was Gobind Munjal, Immediate Past Recognizing this need, the AIA grams that promote the health, dignity, with a complimentary lunch served
National President and Member of National Executive Committee unan- independence, and well-being of se- each program day. The celebration
the Board of Trustees of the Associa- imously approved a $35,000 grant to nior citizens. concluded with cultural performances
tion of Indians in America (AIA). He help establish India Home’s first Se- Assemblyman Charles Lavine and a sumptuous community luncheon.
described the opening of the Senior nior Center on Long Island. During congratulated India Home on opening Mr. Munjal also acknowledged
Center as the realization of a shared the ceremony, Mr. Munjal invited AIA the new center and praised the organi- the media coverage provided by News
vision to provide Long Island seniors Board of Trustees, current and past zation for creating an inclusive, cultur- Channel 12 Long Island, Jus Broad-
with friendship, dignity, purpose, and a Presidents, and National Executive ally responsive environment that will casting TV, South Asian Times, Indian
strong sense of community. Committee members to join him in benefit seniors across Long Island. Panorama, The Indian Eye, News In-
Mr. Munjal noted that during presenting a ceremonial check to India Dr. Kalasapudi expressed grati- dia Times, India Abroad, Hum Hindu-
his tenure as AIA National President Home. The check was accepted by Dr. tude to the organization’s donors, vol- stani, and South Asian Insider.
(2022–2025), he worked closely with Kalasapudi and Mr. Mehta on behalf unteers, elected officials, community The opening of the Hicksville
Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi, Found- of the organization. organizations, and principal support- Senior Center represents another im-
er and Executive Director of India Mr. Munjal thanked the AIA ers—especially AIA National, Guru portant milestone in India Home’s
Home, to address the growing need Board of Trustees, National Executive Krupa Foundation, and The New York mission to enrich the lives of South
for a culturally appropriate senior cen- Committee, Life Members, donors, Community Trust—for helping make Asian seniors through compassion-
ter on Long Island. While India Home and supporters for their confidence the center possible. She reaffirmed In- ate care, cultural understanding, and
successfully operates six senior centers in the project and congratulated India dia Home’s mission of enabling seniors community collaboration. Supported
in Queens, along with affordable se- Home’s leadership, volunteers, spon- to age with dignity, independence, and by AIA National, Guru Krupa Foun-
nior housing, home care services, and sors, and donors for transforming a purpose while remaining connected to dation, The New York Community
other programs, Long Island’s expand- long-held vision into reality. their cultural heritage and community. Trust, and numerous community part-
ing South Asian senior population had Mukund Padmanabhan of the The Hicksville Senior Center will ners, the center will serve as a lasting
long lacked a culturally responsive cen- Guru Krupa Foundation reaffirmed be open free of charge every Tuesday investment in the health and well-be-
ter to meet its unique needs. their commitment to supporting pro- and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., ing of Long Island’s senior community.

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